SDI Night Diver Course
Discover a different side of Vancouver Island’s marine life after sunset
SDI Night and Limited Visibility Diver Certification in Nanaimo
Discover a new side of Vancouver Island diving after dark.
Night diving is one of the most rewarding experiences in scuba. Many divers say it becomes their favourite type of diving once they try it. The SDI Night and Limited Visibility Diver course teaches you how to dive safely after sunset and in low-visibility conditions while helping you explore the nocturnal marine life that only comes out at night.
Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters lets you experience night diving in one of the richest cold-water ecosystems in Canada, with safe shore access and predictable conditions perfect for learning.
Who this Night Diver training is designed for
This course is designed for certified divers who want to:
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- Experience nocturnal marine life that cannot be seen during the day
- Gain confidence diving in low-light and low-visibility environments
- Improve navigation, buoyancy control, and buddy communication in challenging conditions
- Build skills that support future advanced specialties
Minimum age is 18, or 10–17 with parental consent. Students must hold an SDI Open Water certification or equivalent.
What the Night Diver course looks like with us
We offer this specialty throughout the year, choosing reliable night-dive sites around Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay with safe access, good visibility windows, and active nocturnal marine life. Training includes a classroom component and two open-water night dives.
A typical schedule includes:
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- Classroom session covering lighting systems, equipment setup, communication signals, and night-specific procedures
- Pre-dive briefing at the shore reviewing navigation plans, buddy contact, and safety considerations
- Instructor-led night dive to practice controlled entries, buoyancy, and communication in darkness
- A second night dive where you follow your dive plan and apply skills under supervision
This format gives you structured practice, clear expectations, and the confidence to navigate and communicate safely during night or limited-visibility dives.
What you will learn in your Night Diver course
The SDI Night and Limited Visibility Diver course builds your ability to plan and execute safe night dives. You will learn:
#1. Knowledge development
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- Why divers choose to dive at night
- Differences in aquatic life after dark
- How limited visibility affects communication, orientation, and navigation
- How to select and use primary and backup dive lights
- Marker lights, personal beacons, and identifying your buddy underwater
- Procedures for dealing with disorientation, light failures, and lost buddy scenarios
#2. In-water training
During the training dives, you will practice:
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- Safe night-entry and descent procedures
- Maintaining strong buddy contact
- Using dive lights properly for signaling and communication
- Navigating by compass and natural features in low visibility
- Adjusting buoyancy when you lose visual references
- Handling common problems such as temporary disorientation or lost light
#3. Open-water night dives
You will complete two full night dives at local sites such as:
These dives focus on navigation, communication, buoyancy control, and adapting to the behaviour of nocturnal marine life.
Gear requirements for the Night Diver course
Night diving relies on standard scuba gear along with dedicated lighting equipment, and during the course you will use:
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- Mask, snorkel, fins
- BCD and regulator
- Dive computer
- Cylinder and weight system
- Drysuit and thermal undergarments
- Primary dive light
- Backup light
- Personal marker or tank light
- Compass
If you do not already own lights, rental options are available. Your instructor will help you choose reliable lighting that works well in our local conditions.
Night diving skills you can rely on
Learning to dive at night in British Columbia gives you skills that transfer to night diving anywhere. Once you are comfortable managing lights, navigation, and communication in cold-water conditions, night diving in tropical destinations becomes simple and enjoyable.
Your SDI certification is globally recognized and prepares you for future specialties such as SDI Navigation, Advanced Buoyancy, and Deep Diver.
What’s included
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- SDI eLearning
- One classroom session
- Two open-water night dives
- Use of required scuba gear
- Instructor-led skills coaching
- Small class sizes for personal attention
Student perks: You will receive discounts on lights and dive equipment purchases after certification. You are also welcome to join our regular weekly NDO night dives.
Coming from out of town?
If you have already started your Night Diver training with another SDI instructor or dive shop, we can complete your certification through a multi-agency referral. We regularly work with visiting divers and can schedule night dives around your travel plans. Contact us for details.
Night Diver Course FAQ
Is night diving safe for newer divers?
Yes. As long as you have solid basic skills and good buoyancy, night diving is very controlled. The course is designed to teach you how to stay oriented, communicate clearly, and manage light-based navigation.
How dark is it underwater during a night dive?
It varies by moon phase, cloud cover, and depth. In Nanaimo, true darkness begins within a few meters of descent, which makes proper lighting and navigation skills essential.
Do I need my own dive light or can I rent one?
You can rent lights from our shop, although many divers prefer to own their primary light to ensure familiarity with the controls and brightness.
How long do the night dives last?
Typically 20–45 minutes depending on conditions, temperature, and student comfort levels.
What’s the biggest challenge for most students?
Staying relaxed. Once divers adjust to the darkness and trust their lights, the experience becomes calm and enjoyable.
Will night diving help my overall skill development?
Definitely. Many divers report major improvements in buoyancy, situational awareness, and navigation after taking this course.
What kind of primary light should I buy for night diving?
Look for a bright, narrow-beam light with a simple switch you can operate in thick gloves. We can help you choose one that fits our local conditions.
Can I take this specialty before other advanced courses?
Yes. As long as you’re an SDI Open Water Diver or equivalent, you can take Night Diver at any point in your training pathway.
Ready to become a certified night diver?
Scuba diving opens the door to new experiences, travel, and friendships. Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters gives you confidence in one of the richest cold-water ecosystems in the world.
Start your SDI eLearning today or contact us to reserve your spot in an upcoming class.
Start Your Adventure
Are you ready to start exploring the ocean at night?
